Disable missing keys? - Resolved
 

Mine came with one remote key and the valet/plastic key. Is there a way to disable any other keys that may be out there? These keys are actually keyed, so I know someone can get into the vehicle and still turn the ignition. Can the car recognize a non-activated key and not allow it to start? When I got a spare key from the dealer today they said no, but if there is a way, you guys have probably figured it out already :)

Cheers.

No the other keys will not be reconized as long as the initailization was preformed.

BMW Key Initialization Procedure - YouTube

Dealer can disable lost keys, or anyone with INPA or GT1.

Preforming an initialization will disable all keys not involved with said procedure.

They did the initialization with the key that came with the car and the new one. At one point both didn't work, but eventually they got both working. I'll get online over the weekend with GT1 and see how many keys are listed and/or active. Last time I went on, it said two keys were, but I only had one.

Remember...don't conflate EWS/FZV/DWA with one another. These 3 features of the remote key are not all the same. They work in conjunction or in tandem with each other...but are completely different systems.

Reinitializing remote keys only stops other remote keys from being able to remotely lock/unlock and arm/disarm the vehicle (FZV & DWA). It has no effect on EWS or non-remote keys from being able to start your car.

To disable a key from being able to start the car (EWS), you need to use BMW DIS/GT-1/MoDiC or the some of the aftermarket software that has this BMW proprietary capabilities:

I think I disabled keys I don't have in BMW Scan 1.4. I say think because I don't have them to test & I am unwilling to bet a key I can deactivate/reactivate. There is a section where it "allows" the process to occur however.

Now THAT is what I was hoping the dealer would say. They key will still turn the tumbler (it's a mechanical system, I get it), which will allow someone in the car (go ahead, take the kids' books or the air freshener) and to turn the ignition. But I want the computer to not fire ignition at that point. I'll get on with GT1 and snag some screenshots if I find it. Thanks for the help.

So, I apologize in advance for not grabbing screen shots and posting them - it was hot and I just wanted to get it over with.

This is doable. You get into the service functions of the EWS module called Key and run the Test Plan. There are a max of 10 keys cut for each vehicle. If they are all used up and you need another, you're getting a new EWS module. The plan shows the status of all keys. IN my case, keys 1-5 we enabled and used. Keys 6-10 were enabled but never used. I verified my new key was #5 and the other key I have is #4. I was able to disable keys 1-3. At any point, two keys must be active, so if you only have one, you're SOL in trying to disable all the others.

So, reading through the notes in the test plan, this will work as best I can hope. My two keys will start, but if key 1-3 are used, they can still access the car and technically turn the key in the ignition, but the EWS module will not allow the start to happen.

I will call the dealer next week and enlighten the parts guy, service girl and service technician who all insisted it couldn't be done because it was "Too old - only the new ones do that".

If anyone in Southern Ontario wants to do this but doesn't have the means, drop me a note.

Cheers.

Great...glad you were able to accomplish what you wanted to do.

And too bad your local dealership isn't aware that EWS key deactivation goes back as far as EWS 3.3...which as you can see below became available on the e38 from 5/97, the e39 from 9/97, and for the e46 3 series, e52 Z8, and e53 X5...they have this capability from beginning of production: